Smoke Alarms Save Lives

When is the last time you checked the batteries in your smoke alarms....or even check to make sure your alarms are working? Fire Prevention Week is October 5th through the 11th.

This year’s theme, “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives; Test Yours Every Month”, focuses on the importance of smoke alarms and testing for working condition. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends installing smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Smoke alarms should be tested every month and replaced every 10 years or sooner if they don’t respond properly when tested. According to NFPA statistics, having a working smoke alarm in the home cuts the risk of dying in a fire in half.

The City of Dubuque Fire Department promotes fire safety and prevention year-round through educational programs at schools, businesses, senior centers, and more. In observance of National Fire Prevention Week, the Dubuque Fire Department will hold open houses on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 1-3 p.m. at each of the six Dubuque fire stations:

• Fire Headquarters: 11 W. Ninth St.
• Station #2: 2180 JFK Rd.
• Station #3: 3155 Central Ave.
• Station #4: 1697 University Ave.
• Station #5: 689 S. Grandview Ave.
• Station #6: 1500 Rhomberg Ave.

During the open houses, Sparky the Fire Dog will make appearances at Fire Headquarters and Station #4. Children will have the chance to put out a simulated house fire using a fire hose at stations #4 and #5, and adults will have the chance to use a fire extinguisher to put out a simulated fire with a digital training prop at Fire Headquarters.

Assistant Fire Marshal Michael McMahon said that during National Fire Prevention Week, firefighters will read fire-related story books to children to promote the Little Free Libraries located at various locations around Dubuque, including several fire stations. Firefighters will also hand out coloring and activity sheets and stickers.

For more information about smoke alarms and fire prevention, visit the National Fire Protection Association web site atwww.nfpa.org or contact the City of Dubuque Fire Department at www.cityofdubuque.org/fire or 563-589-4160.